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The fires burning across Los Angeles are brutal and devastating. The lives lost and homes burned to the ground are tragic.
To all who have lost a loved one or a home, and the hundreds of thousands who have had to evacuate or who are worried they may need to, please know you are not alone. State and local officials, first responders, and my team at DOJ and I are here to support you through this terrible time. Your safety is our top priority.
To the courageous firefighters, law enforcement, first responders, and CalGuard on the ground throughout L.A., please know you have our support and endless gratitude. You are heroes.
To those who look at this natural disaster and see dollar signs, know that we see you and your misdeeds will not be tolerated. Be it scams, price gouging, or looting, those who seek to hurt people and businesses who are already suffering will be held accountable.
Californians are resilient. We are strong, especially when we stand united. We will get through this — L.A. will get through this — and we will rebuild, together.
Stay safe,
Rob
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Standing with Los Angeles During Wildfires
As fires continue to ravage Los Angeles, keeping Angelenos safe is an all-hands-on-deck priority. Yesterday, I was joined at a press conference by Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell, Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, and Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo. Together, we underscored that local, state, and federal officials are working in close coordination to get these deadly fires under control and protect Californians and our communities. Further, I reminded Californians that price gouging is illegal during a state of emergency, I shared tips on how to donate safely to charities, and I spoke out against looting.
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Accountability for Artificially High Rent Prices
When it comes reducing the cost of living for Californians, DOJ is all in. That's why, alongside the U.S. Department of Justice and a bipartisan coalition of 10 attorneys general, my office filed an amended complaint against RealPage and some of the largest property management companies in the country. We allege that the companies artificially inflated rent prices and illegally maintained a minimum pricing floor against market trends, and that not only RealPage, but the landlords that profited from this scheme must be held accountable.
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Securing Prison Sentence Against Organized Retail Crime Ringleader
As the leading law enforcement official in our state, my dedication lies in actively pursuing and bringing to justice those who violate the law. This week, I announced the sentencing of Michelle Mack, the ringleader of an organized retail crime ring that spanned 21 California counties and involved an estimated $8 million worth of stolen beauty products. The sentencing is a win for businesses, retailers, and consumers in the fight against organized retail crime in California.
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Hosting Third and Fourth DOJ Immigrant Rights Regional Convenings
In addition, I held the third DOJ regional convening on immigration rights in Sacramento, and the fourth in Salinas. As Inauguration Day approaches, I know there is a great deal of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty among California’s immigrant communities. No matter who is in the White House, DOJ's resolve and commitment to California values will not waiver. That's why we issued two sets of guidance highlighting the educational rights of California students and the responsibility their schools have under state law to protect the rights and safety of all students in the state. You can learn more about the guidance by clicking on the link below.
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Addressing the Fentanyl Epidemic
California is fully committed to tackling the fentanyl crisis and ensuring the safety of our communities. Fentanyl can easily be hidden in everyday drugs, and even a minuscule amount can be fatal. This week, I announced an update on the ongoing efforts to combat the fentanyl epidemic at the Mexico and California border through the Fentanyl Abatement and Suppression Team (FAST). In 2024, FAST seized over 135 kilograms of fentanyl as well as conducted 44 federal arrests and 96 state arrests. DOJ joined FAST in 2023, which is a multi-agency task force focused on disrupting and dismantling criminal organizations that smuggle and distribute fentanyl within San Diego County.
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Make a Difference at California DOJ
Apply today to help DOJ protect the health, well-being, and public safety of Californians. Check out our featured jobs below and visit oag.ca.gov/careers for a full listing of available positions:
Deputy Attorney General III, Health Quality Enforcement
Deputy Attorney General IV, Post-Conviction Justice Unit
Deputy Attorney General IV, Natural Resources Law
Deputy Attorney General III, Correctional Law Class-Action
Deputy Attorney General III, Employment Law
Director, Office of Native American Affairs
Victims’ Services Assistant, Victims’ Services Unit
Legal Support Supervisor I, Legal Support Operations
Program Operations Division Manager, DMFEA
Paralegal, Police Practices Section
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Post of the Week
As wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles, remember that price gouging on essentials during a state of emergency is illegal.
Stay safe, listen to your local emergency officials, and report suspected price gouging to my office or local law enforcement.
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FLASH BRIEFING
Attorney General Bonta Urges Biden Administration to Extend Temporary Protected Status for Immigrants from Certain Countries with Dangerous Conditions
Attorney General Bonta Urges Walmart to Reaffirm Commitment to Nondiscriminatory, Ethical Business Practices
Attorney General Bonta: San Francisco Police Department Reaches Milestone in Reform Process, Achieves Substantial Compliance with Recommendations
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Video of the Week
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Californians are resilient.
We are strong, especially when we stand united.
We will get through this together, and we will rebuild.
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Resource Corner
I encourage all Californians to extend a helping hand wherever possible, but be wary of potential scammers who might exploit your generosity and compassion.
If you plan to donate resources or money to those in need in Los Angeles, make sure to do your research on the charity or the crowdfunding organizer so your contributions can go to legitimate causes. I invite you to visit oag.ca.gov/donations to avoid charity fraud.
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